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Lallana braced for rough ride at St Mary's

Former Southampton captain Adam Lallana is not expecting a warm welcome when he returns to St Mary's Stadium with Liverpool.

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Written ByPeter Thompson

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Adam Lallana is bracing himself for a hostile reception when he
returns to Southampton for the first time on Sunday and regrets the
manner in which his move to Liverpool "got nasty".

The England midfielder came through the famed Southampton
academy and went on to become captain of the south-coast club,
playing a key role in their rise from League One back into the
Premier League.

Lallana left to join Brendan Rodgers' side in a big-money move
last July and admits to doing all he could to ensure the move went
through.

The 26-year-old took out a full page in the local newspaper to
thank Southampton fans for their support and has insisted he never
threatened not to play for them if he was unable to move to
Merseyside.

Lallana will face his former club at St Mary's Stadium this
weekend and the former Southampton fans' favourite is not expecting
to be welcomed with open arms.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "I'm not stupid enough to think the
way I left didn't leave a sour taste in a few people's mouths. I
regret the way I left. I regret bits and pieces of how it happened
and it got nasty. It was sad the way it happened.

"What is true is that when I knew of Liverpool's interest and
that they had put a bid in, I did say to the club it would be my
wish if they could negotiate a fee for me to move on.

"Not for one second did I say I wouldn't play for the club
again. I'm man enough to say it was my choice and my decision for
me to move on.

"Deep down I hope Saints fans appreciate the times we had at the
club together. Football is a fickle game - if I do get the jeers
and the boos I'm just going to take it as them missing me playing
down there because I miss Southampton.

"I miss the fans and I miss the good times we had down there. Of
course I do."

Southampton sit fourth, four points ahead of Liverpool, and will
be seeking revenge for their opening-game loss at Anfield.